Tewkesbury Tales: From Tewkesbury Abbey to Victoria Gardens

Saunter along the walkways of one of England’s best preserved medieval towns, Tewkesbury! This walking tour takes you from the historical Tewkesbury Abbey which, in 2021, celebrated the 900th anniversary of its consecration, to the tranquil Victoria Gardens beside the River Avon. Along the way, I’ll tell you how the industrial revolution by-passed the town, leaving us with over 350 listed buildings of special architectural and historical interest today, many of them timber-framed Tudor houses. You’ll learn why Tewkesbury once was home to 101 pubs. Hear the fate of the Lancastrian lords who claimed sanctuary in the abbey after the Battle of Tewkesbury, one of the most decisive battles in the dynastic struggle for the English throne, now known as the Wars of the Roses. I’ll also share the turbulent religious history of England and how it ties into this lovely little medieval town. You can look forward to: • Passing the Old Baptist Chapel, the oldest in southern England, where a baptismal pool for full-immersion baptisms remains • Hearing about 18th century ‘top shops’ where weavers housed their looms to make socks and stockings • Taking in a former tanner’s yard which used traditional leather-making techniques • Finding the Royal Hop Pole Hotel, the traditional coaching inn that appears in Charles Dickens’ ‘Pickwick Papers’ • Walking through the rabbit warren of alleyways which run throughout the town • Learning about the stone bridge built by King John in 1197 • Seeing a 19th century flour mill which, when built, was one of the most advanced in the world • Discovering a traditional water meadow, home to rare and endangered plants and birds • Learning where you can find the largest number of exquisitely decorated medieval tombs outside of London, and why Tewkesbury Abbey has been described as ‘the Westminster Abbey of the Feudal Baronage’ So come and join me on a walking tour of historic Tewkesbury, and find out how the town’s mustard balls became nationally famous! Allow yourself at least 90 minutes to get the most out of the tour.

Price: £7.99 from VoiceMap